At Apex Commercial Capital, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting inspiring professionals in our industry. This month, we recognize Travis Cornish, a Territory Manager at Spartan Tool, a producer of innovative plumbing machine tools and an Apex vendor partner. Travis’ career journey, dedication, and leadership continue to make a lasting impact in the field.

A Path Forged by Hard Work and Dedication

Travis’s journey began at Southern University before he pursued further training through Job Corps and four years of service in the United States Navy. His military experience instilled in him a strong work ethic and discipline—values that have carried him throughout his career.

After his time in the Navy, Travis entered the plumbing industry in 2006, working with Roto-Rooter for five years and gaining hands-on experience in building maintenance. He later ran his own business and held leadership roles, including serving as a store manager for a plumbing supply company and an account manager for a plumbing supply distributor. His deep industry expertise and customer-focused approach led him to Spartan Tool, where he now helps customers find the best drain equipment solutions.

A Natural Transition into Sales

Although he never initially envisioned himself in sales, Travis’s ability to educate and guide customers through plumbing solutions naturally led him into the field. His consultative approach focuses on providing a service rather than just selling products, ensuring customers fully understand the tools they need for their businesses.

Life at Spartan Tool

As a Territory Manager, Travis is responsible for maintaining his territory, training customers on equipment, and introducing new and existing clients to Spartan Tool’s high-quality drain equipment. His role allows him to build relationships, provide essential training, and ensure businesses have the tools they need to succeed.

One of his key partnerships has been with Apex Commercial Capital, where he enjoys working with Giuseppe, despite their ongoing Cowboys vs. Eagles rivalry. He values Apex’s ability to educate customers on the benefits of financing, making equipment investments more accessible for small businesses.

Lessons from Military Service

Travis credits his time in the U.S. Navy with shaping his perspective on both work and life. "Hard work will be rewarded," he says, emphasizing the importance of discipline, perseverance, and embracing diversity. His experiences meeting people from different backgrounds have given him a broader outlook and an appreciation for teamwork.

The Importance of Black History Month

For Travis, Black History Month is essential because Black history is American history. He believes the contributions of African Americans should be more widely recognized and celebrated. He draws inspiration from historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall, and Jackie Robinson, among many others.

Words of Wisdom

When asked about the best career advice he has received, Travis keeps it simple yet powerful: "Stay hungry, stay humble, stay honest."

For young Black professionals entering the workforce, his advice is to be hardworking, honest, and disciplined while striving to educate themselves beyond the basics of their chosen fields. Being on time, setting goals, and staying committed to personal growth are key to long-term success.

Beyond Work

Outside of his professional life, Travis enjoys working out, playing video games, chess, and traveling with his wife. While he has many accomplishments to be proud of, he believes the most important achievement is simply being a genuinely good person—a philosophy that guides him in both his personal and professional life.

Celebrating Leadership and Excellence

We are honored to feature Travis Cornish this Black History Month. His journey from the military to the plumbing industry and now as a trusted leader in sales and training at Spartan Tool is a testament to his commitment to excellence.

At Apex Commercial Capital, we are proud to work with individuals like Travis who make a difference in their communities and industries every day.

‍